Victoria Falls plice are currently investigating a disturbing case involving 13 Ethiopian nationals who were apprehended at a residence in the city. The individuals were found hiding after illegally entering the country, raising concerns of potential human trafficking.
It is suspected that the undocumented immigrants entered Zimbabwe through an undisclosed point of entry from neighbouring Zambia.
According to initial reports, it is believed that local collaborators assisted the illegal immigrants by providing them with shelter at the house where they were discovered. Acting on a tip-off from a vigilant community member, the police swiftly responded, leading to the apprehension of the foreigners, who were found without any travel documents.
All 13 individuals, who are men ranging in age from their late 20s to early 40s, are now in custody. This incident is not an isolated one, as law enforcement agencies have previously intercepted illegal immigrants who have attempted to enter the country through undesignated entry points. In such cases, offenders have been brought before the courts and subsequently deported to their respective countries.
It has come to light that certain individuals residing in Victoria Falls, as well as transport operators, have gained notoriety for their involvement in the clandestine transportation of undocumented immigrants. Allegedly, these individuals collaborate with locals in Victoria Falls before handing over the immigrants to accomplices in Bulawayo. From there, the immigrants are reportedly transported to South Africa.
Inspector Glory Banda, the police spokesperson for Matabeleland North, was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. However, reliable sources close to the matter have indicated that the illegal immigrants will face charges related to their unlawful entry into the country.
The discovery of this possible human trafficking case has underscored the need for heightened vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
